SassyCrab

Hello all, I'm at my wits end. I'm making a quilt shop sample of the Hoopsisters Sewn Seeds sampler and am having a lot of trouble once I put the backing on the block. I'm using quilt shop batik fabrics and the battilizer with Madeira Polyneon thread. I have tried these blocks on a Babylock Ellagio plus and Babylock Ellisimo Gold. My thread is shredding and breaking repeatedly once I start the embroidery and quilting where I'm using the same thread in the top and bobbin. I have already contacted my local quilt shop and Hoopsisters for suggestions, but nothing seems to help. I switched to a Microtex 90/14 needle, tried a different bobbin case, re threaded top and bottom numerous times, even had the machine serviced. I slow the machine down as far as it will go. I added the cover over the feed dogs. I even tried backing the block with cotton and testing cotton on top and bottom. My thread was recently purchased. I tried changing the tension, but I have no clue what effect that is having. Is anyone else experiencing these kinds of issues? I have only completed 4 blocks of the 64 I need! Eek! Any suggestions would be appreciated. And you for your time!

Barb in Louisiana

Have you tried a different thread? I've only done their Goose Tracks with the border, and I had no problems with it at all. I have a Brother Innovis 4000D. Just curious, where is your thread shredding? I had an issue with some shredding as the thread was going through the take-up lever, and the tech found a burr on it. Now, how do you get a burr there? Who knows? He sanded it down and it worked like a charm.

Gay

what is 'batilizer'- is it wadding? That may be the problem. Have you done any stitching on just the batik? I think some have had a problem with that, and what type of backing fabric. I'd look at changing either the wadding or backing.

Good luck

Windblown

Did you wash your batiks before using them? I have heard that a slight bit of wax could be left in the fabric when they are made. It can build up on needle and cause your thread to fray. I can't say that this has happened to me personally
I do wash all fabric, but have heard it mentioned on the net.

nabobw

I am not sure what this battilizer does but I also quilt in the hoop and never have had a problem

ManiacQuilter2

I don't know what battilizer is either but I normally use a standard cotton (Mettler is my thread of choice) in my bobbin. You might want to use some lubricant (available at JAF) called Sewer's Aid. I always lubricate any top thread that is shredding on the Bernina 1530. Usually only have to use it on the Sulky metallic threads.

imsewnso

Love Battilizer....it is batting that is "good stuff" IMHO. I would change your thread. You could also try just one spool of another brand and see if that helps. IF it makes no difference you may have a burr as was mentioned before. Personally I have had problems with Maderia thread, but not all of them and not all the time. I switched to BFC and I didn't have any more problems. Another thing you might try is a topper, but if the thread is shredding I doubt you will have any changes. http://bfc-stash.com/ click on start shopping then BFC poly thread. I have not affiliation with this company just a happy customer.

Kristi.G

I'm doing that pattern in the class at my local shop right now and was experiencing the same problem. I am no however, using the battilizer, but instead using no show mesh and warm & soft combo. I was having spreading problems too and thought my almost new machine might need service. But during the last session, we tried different needles and found that switching to the Microtel needle worked for me - I see that didn't help you though. Hmmm. I am using Kona Cotton though, so my fabric is different.

I also think that the fact that I used some adhesive spray to hold the back on so it wouldn't get messed up while setting up might have contributed to my problem.

Good luck - don't really know what to say, since my problem was resolved with a needle change. I'm using Floriani Polyester thread, by the way.

SassyCrab

Hi Barb, I have not tried a different thread. I believe they recommend polyester and I only have the Madeira Polyneon. What brand of thread did you use? The thread seems to be shredding, untwisting and bunching up in the take-up lever area as well as at the needle. I did have the machine serviced and they didn't find any problems. I wish the case would open in front of that area just so it could be vacuumed out. Thank you for your response, I do appreciate your time.

SassyCrab

Hi Gay, The Battilizer is the Hoopsisters batting and stabilizer combined product that they recommend for their designs. As I'm completing the top of the block I'm not running into problems; there are decorative embroidery stitches done on the top and through the battilizer before the backing. It seems the trouble starts once I put the backing on, which is batik that is machine basted through the layers. I also tried using cotton on the back, but am still having trouble. Thank you for your response, I do appreciate your time!